Federation Star for Coonawarra Warrant Officer

(L-R) Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, AM, RAN, presents Warrant Officer John Kormany his Federation Star, honouring 40 years of service in company with his wife Liane Kormany during a recent visit to Darwin.

A Warrant Officer in the Top End has been honoured by Commander Australian Fleet for his long service to Navy.

While in the region for Exercise Kakadu 2018, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead presented Warrant Officer John Kormany with the Federation Star medal clasp during an afternoon tea at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct.

The Defence Force Service Medal honours 15 years of efficient service with a rosette clasp awarded for each five year period following, up to four clasps. The Federation Star is the fifth clasp added to the medal and honours a total of 40 years of efficient service.

With significant time served in the permanent force and several stints as a reservist, Warrant Officer Kormany will reach 50 years in the Navy later this year since joining as a stoker (Marine Technician) on 23 November 1968.

He was thrilled to receive the Federation Star from Rear Admiral Mead.

“Having my wife Larney there at the time was great,” he said.

“She was tickled pink and very proud.”

As Manager – Personnel Support Unit Northern Territory (PSU NT) in HMAS Coonawarra, Warrant Officer Kormany ensures that the unit provides support and guidance to Navy members with circumstances that compromise their performance of normal duties.

“We make sure people receive the best support and help them in the right direction,” he said.

“It’s good challenging work and great to see personnel return to their duties.

“Camaraderie hasn’t changed much in the Navy, we still look after each other.”

Warrant Officer Kormany began working at PSU NT in July 2012 after serving in a number of ships throughout his career including HMA Ships Anzac (II), Melbourne (II), Hobart (II), Vampire and Flinders, and establishments Cerberus, Nirimba and Watson.

“It’s a job and a career that I’ve always wanted,” he said.

“I retire next year and I’m going home to Cairns to be with my wife who has supported me despite living apart for the last nine years.”

Warrant Officer Kormany has two sons and says he isn’t much of a fisherman but enjoys taking to the golf course with his ‘bag of 13 earth excavators’.